Friday, October 9, 2009

Great News!

I got a call from Hank yesterday. He had just hung up the phone from is doctor who delivered the good news that the MRI and CatScan had come back negative on a reoccurance of cancer. The surgery was successful!! The feeling is that since the type of cancer Hank had was so aggressive that a reoccurance would happen quickly. Nothing was found!

So now Hank's focus is on PT and getting his leg back in shape.....Thanks everyone for keeping the faith...

Mike

Friday, July 31, 2009

July 31st, 2009

Hank-Just thinking of you and wanted to drop a note onto the Blog. I spoke to Kelly and he mentioned that he saw you. I hope you are not in a great deal of pain and are getting stronger each day. We are all sending out positive "vibes" and hope that you will be back up and chasing after Teddy soon. Much love from the Maguires.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Hello Hank, My prayers are so totally with you. You have the strength to heal and move on with years filled with fun with family and friends.
We did not end up having a drunken reunion at our little farm this weekend, which is good because it was HOTTT and then the neighbor's Alpacas got loose and came over to graze. The males were loose with the girls and this was NOT a breeding year. I went over to help in a nightgown covered with a terrycloth robe. They were determined to head for the road and so I used the bathrobe like a bull matador and swung and snapped thir butts to get them back home. So much for a calm quiet early morning.
Saturday morning was opened at 5am wwith the neighbor across the way driving over his 75 acres in his truck shooting the coyotes. Never a dull moment.
My cancer had counts of 656 in March. Normal is 0-30. As of July the counts have improved to 206. Taking chemo in the heat is a bitch, but it could be worse. Thinking of you!! Laura V

Updates from Paul and Kelly

From Paul Dickson
Hi. I havent copied everybody I'd like to on this so pls forward to those you choose. Hank just had major surgery last week. I think it was "successful" but after seeing him, I'm not sure of the definition. I just talked to him and he is home now, but completely bedridden and in a lot of pain. Pls keep him in your (good Catholic) prayers.

From Kelly and Thalia Doherty
Thalia, Conor and I stopped in yesterday on the way back from Black Butte and visited with Hank, Suzanne and the kids. He actually looked great other than a pretty good zipper on his stomach and the color of his groin area through all the radiation. Both doctors felt the outcome was the best scenario they could hope for. He still has his leg, and the reconstructive surgery consisted of some pretty amazing stuff to add muscle to his groin area from his stomach. They took the tumor out and now we just need to pray and hope the cancer is gone. We came away very encouraged but we know he still has a rough recovery ahead. Feel free to call him, he does get pretty bored hung up in bed and I’m sure he would love to hear from you. His Irish stubbornness, thick headedness and resolve has worked so far.

Thinking good thoughts

Just received updates- glad to hear your spirits (well being v. well drinks) are rising, your determination unmatched and pleased you are through that phase and now in recovery mode. Hang tough and never give in.
Being a neophyte to blogs, I have not written much but please know i think of you every day. You are an amazing person Mr Murphy- Much love, tio

Monday Update

I spoke with Hank last night. He is now home and happy to "breathe some fresh air." As you can imagine, Murph gets a bit antsy cooped up in a hospital room.

He is able to get around a bit on crutches although getting in an out of bed is really hard. Lots of pain still and the docs are working to adjust his pain meds. This is pretty standard for such a major surgery.

He had visits over the weekend as Thalia and Kelly dropped in. Paul saw him on Friday.

Good signs, but a very tough recovery is in front of him...keep him in your thoughts.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Thursday Night

Hank-Just wishing you all the best. Keep positive and we're all here for you. Can't wait to see you again. Take care. Dennis, Ashley, Wilder and Jack Maguire

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Hank Surgery Update

I talked to Hank today. First of all, he sounded good....a bit woozy...but who on this blog have not experienced that...
Hank said his surgery went very well on Monday. The doctors were very happy with the outcome and Hank said they cut out most of the cancer..and then some.

This was a major surgery, but as Hank said...."another challenge overwith." He is definately up for the challenge.

The surgery was extensive and Hank has a "zipper" from his collarbone to his knee. Lots of pain......and pain killers, so he has been resting quite a bit. But the great news is that he can wiggle his toes on his right foot, has his classic sense of humor, and his fighting-Irish spirit.

He said he appreciates everyone's prayers, thoughts and mojo....keep it coming.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Sunday

I was up in Portland last weekend and got to see Hank and Suzanne. Hank was nice enough to BBQ some tube steaks for me and my famished daughter, Audrey, who just completed a dive meet out at Tualatin rec. Paul was there as well and yes, I did feel a bit awkward being the only one drinking beer.

Harry looked great and was looking forward to an evening of camraderie at the Racquet Club for Harte's wedding reception. Jeez, those events used to be like every weekend......back in the day.

Murph is going into surgery tomorrow and I know he will have an army of friends there in spirit. We are all pulling for ya Conaher (not be be confused with conifer which is a tree). Prayers, thoughts, mojo, karma, voodoo....all with you tomorrow.

Steamy New Orleans...

Hank-Just sitting here Sunday Afternoon and was wondering how you are doing. I know tomorrow will be a busy day for you and I just wanted to let you know that I'll be thinking of you, Suzann and the kids. Please know you are always in our thoughts down here. I'll check in with Buz to see how you are doing later this week. Love to you from the Maguires.